Public Libraries: “Ohio Libraries Fear More State Cuts”

From the Marion Star:

The Ohio Library Council reported only 30 percent of Ohio’s libraries had local tax levies a decade ago, but now 70 percent of libraries have a levy. The increase in levies — at least 311 between 2008 and the November election — began when state funding decreased 18 percent in 2009.
“At some point, some of that needs to be restored,” said Michelle Francis, the Ohio Library Council’s director of government and legal services.
Although 85 percent of library levies have passed since 2008, boosting property tax collections for libraries 61 percent, Ohio’s libraries continue to look to the state to replace the cut funds.
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Relying on local support is new for Ohio, but it’s long been reality for most other states.
Nationally, about 85 percent of library revenue came from local sources in fiscal year 2011, the most recent reviewed by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Meanwhile, state funding only accounted for 7.5 percent, and less than 1 percent came from federal money.

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Includes chart and table.

Filed under: Funding, Libraries, News, Public Libraries